Plymouth Dome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plymouth Dome |
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Seen in 2015 as the restaurant Rhodes @ The Dome
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| General information | |
| Location | Plymouth Hoe |
| Town or city | Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 50°21′50″N 4°08′31″W / 50.36383°N 4.14203°W |
| Current tenants | None |
| Completed | 20 July 1988 |
The Plymouth Dome was once a popular museum and visitor spot in Plymouth, Devon. It was located on Plymouth Hoe, a famous waterfront area. The Dome opened in 1989 and welcomed many visitors. It closed its doors in 2006. Inside, the museum showed the history of Plymouth. It also had special viewing areas. From these areas, you could look out over Plymouth Sound.
Contents
The Dome's Beginning
Building and Royal Visit
The Plymouth Dome was built in 1988. Even before it opened to everyone, something special happened. Queen Elizabeth II visited the building. This was on July 20, 1988. She unveiled a special plaque. This plaque celebrated a big event. It marked 400 years since the first battle of the Spanish Armada.
Official Opening to Public
The official opening for the public happened later. It was in November 1989. A special guest opened the Dome. This was Bryce Harland. He was a diplomat and academic. At that time, he was the High Commissioner for New Zealand.
Why the Dome Closed
Visitor Numbers Decline
In 2004, a newspaper called The Independent shared some facts. It said the museum attracted about 60,000 visitors each year. However, by 2006, fewer and fewer people were visiting. This made Plymouth City Council think about the Dome's future.
Plans for a New Use
In March 2006, the Council made a decision. They agreed to lease the building. A company called the Wykeham Group took over. They planned to spend £750,000. Their idea was to create a restaurant inside the building. This restaurant would also have an exhibition area. But these plans never happened. Because of this, the Plymouth Dome closed its doors for good.
New Life as a Restaurant
Rhodes @ The Dome Opens
The building stayed empty for more than five years. Then, in late 2011, exciting news came out. A famous chef, Gary Rhodes, wanted to open a restaurant there. The new restaurant was named Rhodes @ The Dome. It was a big project, costing £1.5 million. It finally opened in January 2013.
Rebranding as "The Dome"
Gary Rhodes stopped working with the restaurant in January 2016. After he left, the restaurant changed its name. It became known simply as "The Dome".
